Canton Amateur Summer Theater To Perform 'Grease Jr.'

CANTON — — On Monday morning, 17 local kids danced the "Hand Jive" in the Town Hall auditorium.

No, it wasn't an old-fashioned sock hop. The 10- through 15-year-olds, members of Canton Amateur Summer Theater, were rehearsing for this weekend's production of "Grease Jr.," a family-friendly version of the popular musical.

The theater camp, now in its second year, drew eight more budding actors this summer than it did last year. Under the tutelage of five college students, the cast has practiced for seven hours, five days a week, since the beginning of July.

Roland and music director Hannah Cole, producer Jillian Goeler, stage manager Abby Moore and technical director Jenna Stanwood are all new to the program, taking over from last year's leaders. CAST was founded by Trevor Pierce, a 2010 Canton High School graduate.

Pierce renovated the Town Hall theater as his Eagle Scout project. After getting approval from the town's parks and recreation department, Pierce started the program. CAST performed "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" last year.

While the program is essentially a five-week camp, "we have the full commitment of the kids and parents," Cole said. "They all want to do it."

Through rehearsing the show, the children are gaining knowledge about theater, including the audition process, stage directions and how to be part of the crew.

The young stage hands caused some laughs during Monday's rehearsal. Goeler and Moore giggled as the kids took their time to bring out a bed frame and the blanket and stuffed animals and put it all together onstage.

"They should bring out the bed with everything on it," Goeler said to Moore. "Make a note."

"We're all just figuring it out," said Cole, who noted that the college students all participated in Avon Summer Theater. The children are "learning about what it takes to put on a show. It's them, moving sets [and everything]."

CAST will perform "Grease Jr." on Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Canton Town Hall Auditorium, 4 Market St. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. They are available at the parks and recreation office, 40 Dyer Ave., and at the door.